“It’s all she’s been talking about all week,” said Theresa Kimes, as her 8-year-old daughter Regann bounced around next to her, striking poses in her Aliamanu Military Reservation (AMR) cheerleader uniform. “This is like the best Christmas gift for her.”

The holidays were never meant to be marked by stress and anxiety. But all too often, the most wonderful time of the year becomes less about spending time with loved ones and more about protecting yourself from being a victim of identity theft.

If shoppers aren’t careful, their online dreams could quickly become a nightmare if they don’t make sure to stay safe while shopping online, said Peggy Contreras, Community Police supervisor for Fort Rucker’s DPS.